NORML OBJECTS TO AD COUCIL WAIVER REQUEST

Petitions FCC To Require Identification of Anti-Drug Ads

WASHINGTON (AdAge.com) -- The National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws strongly objected to the Advertising Council's request for a waiver from any requirement that viewers be specifically told public service ads are sponsored by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.

In comments filed with the Federal Communications Commission, NORML said "no meritorious reason exists" for a waiver and that since the drug office coordinates with the Ad Council on selection of appropriate PSAs, federal law requires the identification.

The Ad Council petitioned the FCC for a waiver arguing that identifying the drug office as the sponsor would interfere with the message of individual ads for unrelated organizations. Under the anti-drug ad campaign, media companies provide a free ad for every paid ad.